The Ilocos Times

Piddig mayor Georgina Guillen with treasurer Ofelia Ventura and accountant Victor Pascual receives the check from DSWD representative Elizabeth Aquino. (Berong Ver)   By Bernard Ver Contributor PIDDIG, Ilocos Norte—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 turned over PHP1 million fund from Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to the municipal government here. The DSWD through its Protective Services Program places emphasis in ensuring that the government provides indigent and vulnerable individuals with the necessary assistance thru AICS to help them cope during crisis situations. Under AICS, the DSWD provides educational, medical, burial and of transportation assistance to persons/families in crisis situations, specifically those belonging to the informal sector, indigenous group and other marginalized, vulnerable, and differently-able individuals. "Maagap at tuloy-tulo

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The association of mango growers and the provincial government is on alert after a report of cecid fly infestation in Ilocos Norte. Cecid fly resembles a bigger mosquito that attacks mango trees at night.   They leave circular black marks on the mango fruit when they lay their eggs. Its larva soon goes inside the fruit and eventually destroying it. To prevent its spread, Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos immediately approved the allocation of some funds to contain this mango disease that has been affecting the productivity of mango farmers in the Ilocos region. Though the total amount was not publicly announced yet, Ricardo Tolentino, president of the Ilocos Norte Mango Growers Federation said they are thankful for the provincial government through the governor for responding immediately to their concern. As of this posting, mango traders in Ilocos Nor

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Currimao , Ilocos Norte—Local authorities from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Provincial Fisheries and the local government unit of Currimao will intensify the information and education campaign to protect endangered marine animals here. This came after environment advocates and netizens freaked out upon seeing a video posted on social media of a helpless hammerhead shark fighting for life on the street while some residents are watching and making fun of the creature. Though the video posted on January 15 did not show it, authorities learned that the shark eventually died. “They say sharks or different kinds of sharks are the most dangerous species of the sea... No! Humans are! He’s bumping his head on the floor for help. He wanted to go home. He's distressed,” commented a disgruntled netizen Anne Mendoza upon seeing the video. Based on initial investigation, Arthur Valente of the Provincial Fisheries Offi

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—A Manila-based Buddhist school is reaching out to the province of Ilocos Norte to offer full scholarship grants to interested students here. Valerie Talamayan, education program specialist II of the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte said in a press conference that the Guang Ming College is opening its doors to all student-applicants who wants to pursue a degree in theater, performing arts and Buddhist Studies. Established in 2014 in Malate, Metro Manila, GMC is the fifth member of Fo Guang Shan International University Consortium. As a pioneer Humanistic Buddhist College in the country, it is open to students of all faiths willing to learn in an environment of mutual respect of other’s customs. According to Ms. Talamayan, selected students will get full scholarships, board and lodging, books, uniforms and school supplies, travel and international student exchange opportunities as part of the Fo Guang Shan University Cons

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The Revenue District Office (RDO) here is appealing to all Ilocanos to give the new tax reform law a chance. While discussing the main features of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) in a local press conference here, Ruby Retamal, group supervisor under the assessment section of the RDO Laoag City said the simplified value-added tax system aims to reduce poverty from 26% to 17% of some 10 million Filipinos. Under the Duterte administration, the TRAIN is a priority reform of the national government. Through TRAIN, every Filipino contributes in funding more infrastructure and social services to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce inequality. For some Ilocos Norte residents who are earning an average income, the implementation of TRAIN is beneficial to them as they enjoy paying less personal income taxes. But for others who requested anonymity, the new tax reform law is just a “pain in the “ss’ citin

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—The unabated burning of cogon grass along the Padsan River in this city has reached the attention of local authorities here after residents from neighboring San Nicolas town sought their help. In a resolution addressed to Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos through the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), members of the Sangguniang Bayan of San Nicolas led by San Nicolas vice mayor Marlon Valdez requested the higher officials to take appropriate action on this. During the month-long celebration of Laoag’s Pamulinawen Festival every February, there are carnival occupants and vendors under the Gilbert bridge. It is also during this season that residents report massive cogon grass burning along the Padsan River, just a few meters from the bridge. As this developed, SP member Mariano “Nonong” Marcos II, chairperson of the committee on environment proposed that they conduct a joint committee hearing

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter Currimao , Ilocos Norte—Long queue of tourist buses, van operators, tricycle drivers, tour guides and vendors occupy the seaport of Currimao every time a cruise ship docks here twice a month. Now on its third winter call to the Philippine waters, Superstar Virgo arrived at the Omnico Natural Resources Inc. Port on February 7, with 917 crew members and 1,268 passengers. Angel Lao, owner of a travel and tour company said the growth of cruise tourism in this northern gateway of Luzon create a huge economic impact on the local community particularly on job creation and livelihood. “As a travel operator, we help and gather all suppliers of tourism to serve our tourists. There are three identified major cruise destinations in the country such as Manila, Boracay and Ilocos Norte and we look forward to welcoming other cruise lines booked with us for 2018 and 2019,” said Ms. Lao. This year, Superstar Virgo has 18 port calls t